ewads's Full Review: Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 Web Cam
There are already some excellent reviews on the Quickcam 4000 here, so I'm just going to point out the best and worst things about this camera based on my experience. I carry this web cam with me to have conversations with my significant other when I'm traveling. It makes such a huge difference to have a conversation face-to-face rather than just over the phone - it's worth all the pain of the technical glitches required to get it properly configured.
Where this web cam really shines:
1) It's 640-480 resolution CCD sensor makes image quality much better than the cheaper models out there. It works relatively well in dimly light places. With the cheaper models, a lot of light is necessary or else the image looks grainy and unfocused.
2) The digital zoom lets you frame an image better, just like zoom would on a regular camera. A feature on the web cam automatically zooms in on your face, so you can move around and still be in the center of the image. Cheaper models don't have any digital zoom, so framing an image is much harder.
3) All logitech web cams are fully integrated into the new MSN Messenger 6.0. This is a VAST improvement from the old days of having to figure out how to connect using Microsoft NetMeeting or using an add-on software. If you're looking for an easier video conferencing experience, I highly recommend using MSN Messenger.
4) The Quickcam 4000 comes with a sturdy base. You wouldn't think that this is a big deal, but I have owned a cheaper model where the image would shake with any movement because the its base was too flimsy (I ended up having to tape it down on the desk). You won't run into that problem with this model.
Where this model stumbles:
As with all web cams, it's still a far-flung dream to have them be simple plug and play. Don't expect to be able to install it and then miraculously be able to video conference. In a nutshell, the problem lies with individual firewalls and routers that prevent users from connecting directly with each other over the Internet without custom configuration. Each user has their own unique configurations, which means each time you want to connect to a new person, you'll have to do some tweaking. The Quickcam 4000 doesn't come with sufficient video conferencing software or technical guides to make the process smoother. So, unless you have adequate technical expertise at your disposal (e.g. a friend who knows how to configure your router), be prepared to spend a couple hours on the technical support line.
Unfortunately, I am not exaggerating when I say that web cam video conferencing is still not easy enough for most non-technical computer users.
640 x 480 video resolution and 1280 x 960 photo resolution Built-in microphone USB 1.1 interface Includes a full suite of camera utility software Comp...More at Amazon Marketplace
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